Rhodes: on the ice: Boston Bay Vikings, #14

By Lexi Buchanan

A spinoff from the Boston Bay Vikings Series.

Set in the world of the minor leagues where Rhodes Hallen ended up after his release from prison.

Rosie Jenkins is in hiding from her brother and his drug dealing friends when one night changes everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HFCA Publishing
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223655640

Book preview

1

RHODES

Everything hurt.

Perhaps an exaggeration, but it certainly felt that way.

During the game, the fucker had caught me off guard, and I hadn't had time to set up my defenses as I usually did. Being carried off the ice on a stretcher was humiliating. At the very least, I was unaware of it at the time.

My friend Juniper and her boyfriend Lake, who also happens to be a teammate of mine, had insisted on having me stay with them once I was released from the hospital. I was thankful. But I’m back in my own place today, and it felt good not to have to rely on a friend for assistance.

When I think of Juniper and how she handled herself when my brother arrived at the hospital, my lips twitch into a smile. It had been a surprise to see Jessop after two years. But I should have known better. I may have nothing to do with their illegal activities in Tennessee, but I still consider them family. Carlisle had been his usual brusque self on the phone. He was my oldest brother and ran the company in which they both worked.

It had been difficult for me to go two years without seeing my family. When I went to prison, I went from being close to my brothers and my little sister Monica to leaving everything behind.

It was up for debate whether I deserved to be locked up or not. Monica had been sexually assaulted and murdered. I'd tracked him down and pursued the murderous bastard with vengeance in my blood. I'd killed him. An eye for an eye. Do I have any regrets? No, I do not.

I'd had the best lawyer money could buy thanks to Carlisle, so I'd gotten a reduced sentence and was out on good behavior when Wyatt Peters approached me. I'd been on his radar before my life took a turn for the worse. He'd given me a chance in Boston, and I wasn't going to blow it.

That means I'll have to get back on the ice. The dizziness is a pain in the ass and still occurs when I move too quickly, so it's a major issue. The doctor prescribed medication to help with that, so hopefully I'll be able to return to practice in a day or two.

I despise being put on the sidelines.

It's pleasant to be alone in a Boston public park, watching the ducks and swans on the water. For a change, it helps me clear my mind. Normally, I crave noise so that I can't think.

I've discovered that I enjoy silence since being knocked out on the ice. For the first time in a long time, my mind is not racing, and I am at peace. Or maybe it's because I see things differently.

I didn't want Juniper Shaffer to get under my skin like my sister had. However, the girl did. My own sister will always be missed. I don't go a day without thinking about her. I reach up and touch the gold chain around my neck, which is adorned with a small, thin cross. It had dropped lower around Monica’s neck. Monica had worn our mothers’ necklace since the day Doris Hallen died. It was now mine. Carlisle had kept it safe when I’d gone inside. That day, my dark and lethal brother had shown genuine emotion. I doubted he'd do it again. He left all of this nonsense to me and, on occasion, Jessop.

I sigh, a heaviness in my chest, and focus on the ducks bobbing on the lake in front of me. One decides to cause trouble by pecking at the back of another. Loud noises cause my lips to twitch. Fights are taking place here, just as they do on the ice.

I thought I'd find you here.

As I take the offered coffee to go, I tilt my head and grin at Juniper. Thanks. I wasn't expecting to see you here.

I wanted to see how you were doing?

I laugh. You just saw me yesterday.

Juniper lightly bumps into me. I also wanted to remind you to come to our party tonight.

You're a friend, Juniper, I won't let you down. I remove the coffee lid and blow on the steaming liquid. So, you and Lake are still okay with selling the house?

We are. She beams. I like the new location because it’s more central. We have a double balcony to sit on, which isn't exactly a garden, but we never use it at the house. Sigh. I thought it would be more difficult to let it go, but I don't think I want to live in it again. Might as well let another family make it their home.

I haven't had a real home in a long time, I quietly admit. My mother died a long time ago, and Monica died two and a half years ago. Everything I was holding onto vanished overnight.

Juniper threads her arm through mine and places her head on my shoulder. You have your brothers, hmm?

Maybe.

I’m sure they were concerned about you. Jessop paid you a visit in the hospital, and Carlisle messaged me several times for updates. They wouldn't have done that if they didn't care.

My brothers are complicated.

Criminals, you mean.

I laugh out loud. Only you would blurt that out.

It's true.

They always kept Monica and me out of their mischief. They continue to do so with me. I would have gone home as soon as I was released from prison, but they insisted that I head to Boston and make something of myself.

She beams with delight. And you have. Your picture is on the walls of many women's bedrooms.

Wow, Juniper. Isn't that every guy's dream? I mutter sarcastically.

Chuckling, Juniper adds, Seriously, you have a job most dream about.

When I get back.

You'll be there soon. The boss and the coaches are outstanding.

It's difficult to be away. I despise downtime.

You need a girl, she exclaims, a twinkle in her eyes.

My life is too messed up for that, I admit tiredly, despite the fact that I'm lonely.

I'm sure I can find someone for you.

I change the subject and inquire, What can I bring tonight?

Yourself.

Beer? Food? Give me a hint, or I won't show up. I raise my brow.

She sighs and says, Cookies.

My brows rise. Cookies?

I like cookies. Other players and their families will also be present, and I'm sure their kids will enjoy the cookies.

Okay. I can do that.

My gaze returns to the lake and the ducks bobbing in the water. A couple of kids across the pond are tossing bread into the water for the ducks, and they dive in.

You know, Juniper says, breaking the silence, just because you moved out doesn't mean you can't stop by. You can come hang out whenever you want.

I swallow my emotions and say, I know. I stand up and squeeze her hand. Where are you heading? I'll walk with you.

I'm on break, back to the café.

I extend my arm, and she takes it. I appreciate you more than you know.

I know, she says cheerfully.

2

ROSIE

My heart pounds, my hands sweat, and blood is pounding in my ears as I try to remain still and quiet. My brother is a jerk. I don't like him anymore, and I don't trust him. He has no idea I’m in the apartment.

I had initially felt sorry for David's girlfriend, Leah. She appeared shy and out of her element. That is not the case any longer. I saw her the other night fighting with David's old girlfriend while my asshole brother watched and enjoyed the show. It made me ill.

I'd been watching the apartment entrance for a couple of hours and had seen David and Leah leave. That's when I sneaked in. But I hadn't expected them to turn around and return.

I was cowering in the corner of my small closet, clutching my bag protectively. I knew I couldn't hide behind it, no matter how hard I tried.

They have no idea you're here; I tell myself. I force myself to calm down with a deep breath before having a heart attack at the age of twenty-six. Because I'm the older one, I should be the stronger of the two. Instead, I am terrified. David was a good brother before the drugs and the wrong crowd got their claws into him. That is why it hurts so much right now.

My breathing has slowed, and my blood is no longer rushing to my ears, allowing me to hear his stressed voice. Leah is panicking while my brother tries to calm her down.

My bedroom door slams open, hitting the wall behind it. I need to track down Rosie and ask her to keep it for us. That way, we won't be caught with it, David says calmly.

Does that make sense? What if she hands it over to the cops?

She’s my sister! Snarls David.

"You said she hates the drugs; won't she